* Allen and Legard will share the lead commentator duties throughout the season** McNish will commentate on at least six rounds beginning with Spain

BBC F1 is...- available to watch/listen to again for up to 7 days on BBC iPlayer- available to watch live online for the 10 races that they cover- available to listen to live online for every race in 2013

Sky Sports F1 will screen...- every Qualifying and Race LIVE uninterrupted advert free- every F1 Practice session LIVE- The F1 Show every Friday from February 15th- GP2 and GP3 LIVE uninterrupted advert free- along with a Legends programme and extra programming outside of race weekends- interviews and other tidbits on Sky Sports News with Rachel Brookes and Craig Slater reporters

Sky Sports F1 is...- available to people with Sky on Channel 408 who have the HD package OR the Sports package (note - this particular point could change)- available to people with Virgin Media on Channel 516 who have the Sky Sports package (SD only, HD channel is Sky exclusive - again, could change)- available on Sky Go with the relevant subscription- available on Xbox 360 for Sky customers with an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription

Other bits- The BBC and Sky Sports deal is 2012 through to 2018 inclusive- BBC's theme tune is Fleetwood Mac - The Chain- Sky's theme tune is Alistair Griffin - Just Drive

Not all of BBC's team has been confirmed, but I would expect an official announcement fairly soonish, probably at the AUTOSPORT Show or just before. I think everything for BBC TV will stay the same aside from Perry as there are no changes to the Sky line-up. 5 Live will change I would think, with no Alguersuari - he'll probably want to get back into racing of some sort for 2013 even if it is non-F1.

Sky's F1 channel is still going, their first F1 Show goes to air on Friday 15th February. A lot more potential scope for their pre-season coverage with the channel on air so it will be interesting to see how it is covered.

Good going, DMN. I'm a little irritated that the BBC hasn't retained it's live Monaco coverage -- wet or dry it's the spectacle in F1, and plus now the highlights will almost certainly clash with the Indy 500. I'm aware that it's unlikely someone will have the legit means to watch the Indycar Series but not Sky's F1 coverage, but we live in strange times...

Glad to see Canada back on the BBC's live roster. The delayed highlights for the American timezone races were ridiculous.

Good going, DMN. I'm a little irritated that the BBC hasn't retained it's live Monaco coverage -- wet or dry it's the spectacle in F1, and plus now the highlights will almost certainly clash with the Indy 500.

I was rather chuffed the BBC had swapped Monaco to be honest. It might be a spectacle and one of the historic circuits, but it more often than not provides a rather boring race IMO. I would much rather watch another race on a track where we can see these cars at their best. Monaco gets a lot of attention because of its glamour and tends to pull in the most viewers worldwide, but its never been one of my favourite races.

I was rather chuffed the BBC had swapped Monaco to be honest. It might be a spectacle and one of the historic circuits, but it more often than not provides a rather boring race IMO. I would much rather watch another race on a track where we can see these cars at their best. Monaco gets a lot of attention because of its glamour and tends to pull in the most viewers worldwide, but its never been one of my favourite races.

Bit in bold is the only thing that should have concerned them. I thought there were three races which were considered essential for FTA; Britain, Monaco and the final race so the list surprised me a little.

Does anyone else think that Sky should start moving the few Motorsport series they have on their other channels to the F1 channel?

Personally I'd love to see the Indy cars on there for starters and even the NASCAR and DTM highlights to avoid the endless repeats of races that seem to fill the schedule at the moment.

Depends on how the channel is going to be priced in the future. So far Sky won't confirm that it will remain as part of the HD sub, and I'd rather not have the other stuff if it's just going to be used to push the price up.

Bit in bold is the only thing that should have concerned them. I thought there were three races which were considered essential for FTA; Britain, Monaco and the final race so the list surprised me a little.

Don't forget the BBC are still covering that race, just not live and in full. I'm sure their viewing figures will still put Sky in the shade as they always do. I think there is more love for Spa than Monaco amongst fans and the BBC have that in full. To be honest I think the BBC have a better selection this year in comparison to last, so its not all bad.

Depends on how the channel is going to be priced in the future. So far Sky won't confirm that it will remain as part of the HD sub, and I'd rather not have the other stuff if it's just going to be used to push the price up.

I very much doubt it will remain separate from their sports subscription for too many more years. They are getting nearly as many viewers as their Premiership football matches and that has rarely tempted them to offer those to non sports subscribers. This is purely a guess but I think in the next couple of years the F1 channel will be bolted on the sports section as so far this appears to be an introductory offer. A couple of my friends have taken the plunge to Sky so they don't miss the F1 but have said if it goes the way people think it will, they will drop it altogether.

Is it just me that hates the choice of music that the BBC use for the end of weekend compilation shorts ? So much wishy washy indy-Radiohead stlye dross. The weekend after Amy Winehouse died, I really expected them to use of of her songs, which would have fitted very well, I'm sure.

Is it just me that hates the choice of music that the BBC use for the end of weekend compilation shorts ? So much wishy washy indy-Radiohead stlye dross. The weekend after Amy Winehouse died, I really expected them to use of of her songs, which would have fitted very well, I'm sure.

I'm sure there are others who share your opinion, but I think most of the time they get it right. I've never heard Radiohead labelled as 'dross' lol. Then again they are my era and I can't expect you oldies to appreciate it nor would I expect it. No offence meant there.

Is it just me that hates the choice of music that the BBC use for the end of weekend compilation shorts ? So much wishy washy indy-Radiohead stlye dross. The weekend after Amy Winehouse died, I really expected them to use of of her songs, which would have fitted very well, I'm sure.

I'm with you. Motorsport is high octane, and high energy, yet they accompany footage of it with some fey, whiny, bed-wetting, hipster, indie song (with additional tambourines!).Sadly, though, it's not just motorsport; if you look at advertising in general, everything from mayonnaise to bingo for fat Northerners uses the same musical template.

I was expecting Sky to move the F1 Channel into the Sport package by now and extract another £10 per month from us. They havent yet then fair play to them I guess.....

On another note, I couldnt go back to watching the BBC non HD feed now. Im really not into that sort of technology and Ive never really seen the fuss about it until I the F1 came along in HD. What a difference!

I very much doubt it will remain separate from their sports subscription for too many more years. They are getting nearly as many viewers as their Premiership football matches and that has rarely tempted them to offer those to non sports subscribers. This is purely a guess but I think in the next couple of years the F1 channel will be bolted on the sports section as so far this appears to be an introductory offer. A couple of my friends have taken the plunge to Sky so they don't miss the F1 but have said if it goes the way people think it will, they will drop it altogether.

I agree. I really only expected it to be a one year deal in the HD sub to quell the masses after the Beeb dropped the bombshell. I think anyone who had Sky installed for the F1 coverage could rightly expect the deal to remain same and have a legitimate complaint if the price goes up. I do think that adding it to the SS sub will cost them more than they gain.

I was expecting Sky to move the F1 Channel into the Sport package by now and extract another £10 per month from us. They havent yet then fair play to them I guess.....

On another note, I couldnt go back to watching the BBC non HD feed now. Im really not into that sort of technology and Ive never really seen the fuss about it until I the F1 came along in HD. What a difference!

Still to be seen what they are planning for this season as I have asked the question and they refuse to confirm. The BBC feed is HD although Sky use a higher bitrate, it's only the practise sessions on the red button that are SD. Highlights are the real killer, absolutely destroy the enjoyment for me.

Still to be seen what they are planning for this season as I have asked the question and they refuse to confirm. The BBC feed is HD although Sky use a higher bitrate, it's only the practise sessions on the red button that are SD. Highlights are the real killer, absolutely destroy the enjoyment for me.

I was hoping any changes would have been made by now so assumed we had survived this year! Whatever happens, I'll just cough up and feel bad about it.

I was hoping any changes would have been made by now so assumed we had survived this year! Whatever happens, I'll just cough up and feel bad about it.

Never assume. I agree that if they were going to change it then it really should have been announced by now. The web site still says it's part of the HD pack, but I'm just suspicious as they wouldn't confirm it will remain so.

Is it just me that hates the choice of music that the BBC use for the end of weekend compilation shorts ? So much wishy washy indy-Radiohead stlye dross. The weekend after Amy Winehouse died, I really expected them to use of of her songs, which would have fitted very well, I'm sure.

I've always been very impressed with their music selection. I don't always know the music, but it always seems appropriate and often strikes me as very clever.

Honestly, who gives a f*ck about the music selection of an F1 broadcasting channel.
I just want the race live, a couple of decent commentators and some analysis.
BBC and Sky both provide that (albeit BBC only 50% of the time).

Are there really people bothered about the music selection of a 30 second weekend compilation??
The mind puzzles

Honestly, who gives a f*ck about the music selection of an F1 broadcasting channel.I just want the race live, a couple of decent commentators and some analysis.BBC and Sky both provide that (albeit BBC only 50% of the time).

Are there really people bothered about the music selection of a 30 second weekend compilation??The mind puzzles

I do. I just tune in to what see what music they will play. Not bothered about the race.

Such a bloated line up. The bolded could be dismissed immediately with no detriment to the quality of the coverage. I wish they'd then spend the saved dough on their pitiful Indy coverage.

I doubt they care. They've got their 700k viewers and the paddock are convinced its all wonderful, so who cares if a few wooden presenters are in the mix? Dropping them might improve the show for you guys, you never know.

Goergie Thompson was actaully surprisingly good last season and certainly not a part of their "bloated" line-up I would get rid of - but then I guess its easy to be critical about coverage you dont actually watch....

Such a bloated line up. The bolded could be dismissed immediately with no detriment to the quality of the coverage. I wish they'd then spend the saved dough on their pitiful Indy coverage.

I would happily see Thompson replace Lazenby if the latter does not improve this year. Rider is not part of their weekend coverage, but is part of their F1 Legends strand, which unfortunately does not get recognised in the wider spectrum as it is a good programme with lots of potential to improve in 2013 and focus on different personalities. Hill improved during 2012, so he should stay.

As for IndyCars, turn 15 viewers into 15,000 viewers, and, well... you'd be nearer the mark.

I would happily see Thompson replace Lazenby if the latter does not improve this year. Rider is not part of their weekend coverage, but is part of their F1 Legends strand, which unfortunately does not get recognised in the wider spectrum as it is a good programme with lots of potential to improve in 2013 and focus on different personalities. Hill improved during 2012, so he should stay.

As for IndyCars, turn 15 viewers into 15,000 viewers, and, well... you'd be nearer the mark.

Agree, Georgie did a good job as a presenter, she is no F1 expert but i felt she was a little wasted on the SkyPad but good on The F1 Show, as was Ant, i'd much rather he was down in the pit lane with the others than stuck in their double decker tent.

Should also be noted that Ant, Herbet and Hill don't attend all the races as they chop and change as they have their own commitments. Hill improved infinitely over the course of the season, its no surprise he was a little too straight laced and flat at the start, it takes time to get used to being infront of the camera, i seem to recall it being a similar story with DC too.

Goergie Thompson was actaully surprisingly good last season and certainly not a part of their "bloated" line-up I would get rid of - but then I guess its easy to be critical about coverage you dont actually watch....

Making assumptions out of thin air, inaccurate at that, adds nothing to the argument.

I would happily see Thompson replace Lazenby if the latter does not improve this year. Rider is not part of their weekend coverage, but is part of their F1 Legends strand, which unfortunately does not get recognised in the wider spectrum as it is a good programme with lots of potential to improve in 2013 and focus on different personalities. Hill improved during 2012, so he should stay.

As for IndyCars, turn 15 viewers into 15,000 viewers, and, well... you'd be nearer the mark.

I agree with the bolded. My point in highlighting one of them was mainly that there is no need for effectively two (non-F1) presenters.

Agree, Georgie did a good job as a presenter, she is no F1 expert but i felt she was a little wasted on the SkyPad but good on The F1 Show, as was Ant, i'd much rather he was down in the pit lane with the others than stuck in their double decker tent.

Should also be noted that Ant, Herbet and Hill don't attend all the races as they chop and change as they have their own commitments. Hill improved infinitely over the course of the season, its no surprise he was a little too straight laced and flat at the start, it takes time to get used to being infront of the camera, i seem to recall it being a similar story with DC too.

My thoughts too. Still think there needs to be a bit of a cull though, starting with Simon.

Does anyone know if Virgin Media will be offering the 30 day minimum window of subscribing to SkyF1 again? If so, has anyone worked out the most economically attractive way of viewing the live races between BBC and Sky. Somebody did it on here last year and it was pretty useful. If not, I'll have a look at it.

Does anyone know if Virgin Media will be offering the 30 day minimum window of subscribing to SkyF1 again? If so, has anyone worked out the most economically attractive way of viewing the live races between BBC and Sky. Somebody did it on here last year and it was pretty useful. If not, I'll have a look at it.

I know on my freeview box (YouView) I can subscribe by the month for £32 and that gets all the Sky Sports channels for 30 days. If you work out the months where Sky have the most live races it might be worth while for you if Virgin allow that. The thing is its really not worth the money IMO.

Goergie Thompson was actaully surprisingly good last season and certainly not a part of their "bloated" line-up I would get rid of - but then I guess its easy to be critical about coverage you dont actually watch....